BMW and Toyota recall more than 87,000 cars over fire risk tied to starter motor

BMW has issued a recall of 87,394 vehicles over a defect that could cause the engine to overheat and start a fire. 

The recall, issued on January 30, covers models made between 2021 and 2024. It includes nine BMW models, as well as one Toyota model that shares similar structures and parts. The recalled BMW vehicles include: BMW 5 Series (2021-2024), BMW Z4 (2021-2022), BMW 2 Series Coupe (2022-2023), BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (2022-2024), BMW 4 Series Convertible (2021-2024), BMW 4 Series Coupe (2021-2023), BMW 3 Series (2021-2024), BMW X4 (2021-2023), and BMW X3 (2021-2024). The recall also covers Toyota Supra vehicles from 2021 to 2023. 

In a blog post, BMW said the defect involves “unexpected wear on an internal component” that may “cause the starter to stop working properly—sometimes surfacing first as a no-start condition—but the higher-stakes concern is heat.” It continued: “NHTSA’s report says that ‘in an extreme case, the issue could cause a thermal event or fire when starting the engine, or while the engine is running.’”

Just months ago, BMW issued a similar recall. In October, the company recalled 145,000 vehicles over a starter defect that could overheat and spark a fire. Prior to that, it recalled  200,000 vehicles for the same reason. 

Still, BMW is not the only automaker to appear plagued by recalls as of late. At the end of last year, Ford recalled over 270,000 electric and hybrid vehicles over a parking function issue. Porsche recalled over 173,000 vehicles over a problem with the rearview camera image. Earlier in 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also issued similar recalls of Hyundai, Ford, Toyota, and Chrysler vehicles.

The recall notice indicates that BMW is not aware of any accidents or injuries—for either the BMW or Toyota vehicles—due to the issue. It also noted that dealers will replace the engine starter at no cost to owners. Notification letters are expected to be mailed to vehicle owners on March 24, 2026.